Obesity: Death at Rainbow's End

Several different types of drugs are prescribed for the overweight,
and if they do little good, they usually do little harm because most
reducers take only one kind. But from Oregon last week came a
report that at least six and possibly eight women have died, apparently
as the result of taking five potent drugs put up, along with a laxative,
in a six-pill "rainbow package." Three physicians had dispensed the
combination packages, said Dr. Russell Henry, Oregon state medical examiner.

Dr. Henry listed the drugs: one of the amphetamines, or "bennies";
phenobarbital,...